Rick and Morty Season 7 Review: Still Genius?

Season 8 picks up right where the bitter aftertaste of Season 7 left off. Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden have fully settled into their roles as Rick and Morty-no more “can you tell it’s not Justin Roiland?” debates. The voice work is seamless, and the chemistry between the two leads is sharper than a Meeseeks’ existential crisis.

The season is a grab bag of high-concept episodes. We’ve got intergalactic heists, meta-commentary on streaming algorithms, and a genuinely heartbreaking episode where Summer (Spencer Grammer) tries to fix the family’s timeline after a “minor” multiversal mishap. Sarah Chalke’s Beth gets a standout arc that actually explores her resentment toward her father-finally, some emotional stakes that aren’t buried under a pile of alien sex jokes. Chris Parnell’s Jerry remains the show’s secret weapon: a pathetic, lovable mess who somehow still has the best one-liners.

But the real MVP this season? The writers have remembered that Morty isn’t just a punching bag. He’s growing up. He’s pushing back. And watching Harry Belden deliver a monologue about free will while riding a space slug? That’s peak Rick and Morty.

---

Let’s get this out of the way: Season 8 isn’t perfect. Some episodes feel like they’re running on fumes-especially the one where Rick gets stuck in a vending machine for twenty minutes. It’s funny, sure, but it’s also the kind of low-effort gag that would’ve been a B-plot in earlier seasons. The show’s reliance on meta-humor has also started to feel a little tired. Yes, we get it-you know you’re on Adult Swim. You don’t need to wink at the camera every five seconds.

But when Rick and Morty hits, it hits hard. The season’s fifth episode, “A Worm in the Apple,” is a masterclass in narrative play. It’s a murder mystery set inside a sentient planet’s digestive system, but it’s also a meditation on memory and trauma. It’s the kind of episode that makes you forget you’re watching a cartoon about a sociopathic scientist and his anxious grandson.

The animation remains top-tier. The show’s visual language has evolved-there are more fluid action sequences, more intricate background details, and a willingness to experiment with abstract imagery that feels almost BoJack Horseman-esque. The sound design, too, is fantastic. Every burp, every portal opening, every existential scream is timed to perfection.

And the cast? They’re all in top form. Cardoni’s Rick has a new raspiness that suggests years of drinking and portal-hopping have finally caught up with him. It’s subtle, but it adds depth. Belden’s Morty has shed his stammering shell; he’s still anxious, but now he’s anxious with agency. It’s a joy to watch.

---

Pros

• Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden have fully embodied Rick and Morty-no more “who’s that?” moments.
• Stronger emotional arcs for Beth and Summer. Finally, the women of the Smith family get real screen time.
• High-concept episodes that actually pay off (the murder-mystery planet episode is a banger).
• The animation is more fluid and creative than ever.
• Jerry remains the funniest character on the show. Fight me.

Cons

• A few filler episodes that feel like they’re just burning time.
• The meta-humor is starting to feel like a crutch. We get it, you’re self-aware.
• Some plot threads are dropped faster than Rick drops a drink.
• The season’s pacing is uneven-a five-episode stretch in the middle drags.

---

Rick and Morty Season 8 is a victory lap from a show that could have coasted on its reputation. It’s not flawless-the filler episodes and meta-fatigue are real issues-but when it’s good, it’s transcendent. The voice cast has never been better, the stakes feel personal for the first time in years, and the animation is a visual playground.

If you’ve been with the Smith family since 2013, you’ll find plenty to love. If you’re new? Start from the beginning. This show rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to laugh at the void.

Rating: 8/10

- Because even geniuses need a few off days.